Downgrading - and I can't wait

[redgriff500]

I've just sold my Leon Cupra so started looking for its replacement.

Main priority being a usable car that is FUN as the Leon just isn't.

I considered Mini Cooper S, Clio 172 / 182 etc but they just don't "grab me"

So I've gone for a car that's ten years older, has less power, fewer gears, less spec, yet is costing me MORE.

Mk2 Golf GTi with a (replacement) 2.0 16v engine and a few other upgrades.

I used to drive these 15yrs ago and I can't wait to get behind the wheel again.

[Simbu]

I did this earlier this year. Sort of.

Sold my 54 plate TDCi Focus and bought a mk2 MX5, then ISA'd the difference. I wasn't doing the miles to justify the Focass and the MX5 is cheaper to keep. I can work on it myself too

I say sort of because the '5 is a helluva lot of fun to drive

[Glade]

Clio 182 is going next week, in favour of a Fiat 500 Twinair.

Have heard good things about the twinair, and the 500 will be better for what the 182 gets used for...

But the 182 is a great car and it's a shame to see it go!

[icepop]

Ahhhh.....the smell of bankruptsy.

[traffman]

Bankruptcy ....sorry just following a trend.

[redgriff500]

icepop said:

Ahhhh.....the smell of bankruptsy.

Erm my replacement is costing MORE.

Its just it's "inferior" in every way

Except in FUN.

[kambites]

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

[stick100]

kambites said:

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

i agree there is something about alot of the retro cars i drove a honda crx the other day i had forgot how much fun they are

[Welshbeef]

kambites said:

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

But safety is leagues higher your far more likely to survive in a modern car over an older car so... You take a risk running an older one.

[redgriff500]

Welshbeef said:

kambites said:

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

But safety is leagues higher your far more likely to survive in a modern car over an older car so... You take a risk running an older one.

My grandfather was told if he didn't stop drinking, smoking and eating rich food he'd die within a year, if he did he'd probably live 5yrs more.

He chose one good year as opposed to 5 miserable ones and I think he made the right choice.

[billzeebub]

Welshbeef said:

kambites said:

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

But safety is leagues higher your far more likely to survive in a modern car over an older car so... You take a risk running an older one.

well don't crash then..what's the point in living if you can't feel alive?!..

[BlueMR2]

Welshbeef said:

kambites said:

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

But safety is leagues higher your far more likely to survive in a modern car over an older car so... You take a risk running an older one.

The difference is you need the extra safety in a modern car as the A pillars are so huge you cant see st coming at you from an angle, they are so heavy you couldn't get out of the way and the controls are so muted you cant feel what the car is doing.

You trust your life to its electronics as if they fail your fked.

[Welshbeef]

billzeebub said:

well don't crash then..what's the point in living if you can't feel alive?!..

That's great but what happens if someone crashes into you?? There is no way to stop that. You can make yourself safer sure but your more at risk in an older car.

[richardxjr]

Welshbeef said:

kambites said:

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

But safety is leagues higher your far more likely to survive in a modern car over an older car so... You take a risk running an older one.

[A S P]

Welshbeef said:

That's great but what happens if someone crashes into you?? There is no way to stop that. You can make yourself safer sure but your more at risk in an older car.

What a miserable approach to life...

O.P. enjoy your new car, sounds like a brilliant move! My 18yr old mx5 more fun to drive than my B3, and I've not killed, or been killed in it yet.

[superman84]

To be fair most things would be more fun than the Seat, I don't think this is an old vs new car thing.

[Globs]

redgriff500 said:

So I've gone for a car that's ten years older, has less power, fewer gears, less spec, yet is costing me MORE.

Mk2 Golf GTi with a (replacement) 2.0 16v engine and a few other upgrades.

I hope it's more fun than the Mk2 Jetta 1.6 I suffered. The most boring car I'd ever driven, and yes, that does include a early 1.0 Vauxhall Corsa.

[Welshbeef]

BlueMR2 said:

The difference is you need the extra safety in a modern car as the A pillars are so huge you cant see st coming at you from an angle, they are so heavy you couldn't get out of the way and the controls are so muted you cant feel what the car is doing.

You trust your life to its electronics as if they fail your fked.

I trust crumple zones stronger passenger cells etc.
Of course add in airbags (which has saved me in a crash) side airbags etc.

Do you think the whole safety and crash testing is a waste of time and doesn't make cars safer?

[MartinQ]

I'm shortly to sell my E46 318i and "downgrade" to a E36 328i. Although that could well be considered an upgrade. Hmm, I'm confused now.

[Caulkhead]

Welshbeef said:

BlueMR2 said:

The difference is you need the extra safety in a modern car as the A pillars are so huge you cant see st coming at you from an angle, they are so heavy you couldn't get out of the way and the controls are so muted you cant feel what the car is doing.

You trust your life to its electronics as if they fail your fked.

I trust crumple zones stronger passenger cells etc.
Of course add in airbags (which has saved me in a crash) side airbags etc.

Do you think the whole safety and crash testing is a waste of time and doesn't make cars safer?

You sound like an accountant. There's more to life than risk mitigation.